Carl Van Vechten [Diahann Carroll]

Carl Van Vechten (June 17, 1880 – December 21, 1964), original silver gelatin print of American television, film and stage actress and singer Diahann Carroll as seen through the lens of the iconic photographer. 

This unsigned, vintage Van Vechten image, features the photographer's original credit stamp on its verso along with the title "Diahann Carroll," unique roman numeral archive number "XII MM 21"  and printing date "March 14 55" all in the artist's hand. Embossed to the bottom right on the front side is a "Photograph by Carl Van Vechten" original 'blind' stamp. The photograph measuring approximately 6 x 9.5 inches, printed on a thick weight matte stock, is in fine condition aside from some minor age wear, soiling and its original slightly irregularly trimmed edges.

Van Vechten, the celebrated American writer and photographer, was the literary executer of Gertrude Stein and a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance movement. He captured iconic images of all the key members in the worlds of Art, Theater, Music, and Literature. Van Vechten viewed his photography as a hobby; he never took commissions, he never sold photographs. He would grant permission to publish them, but had strict requirements to do so. He was a prominent fixture in 20th century photography collections with his work being included in such institutions as The Library of Congress, The Museum of The City of New York and The Smithsonian Institution.

Carrol, a breast cancer survivor and activist, is the recipient of numerous stage and screen awards and nominations. After appearing in some of the earliest major studio films to feature black casts such as Carmen Jones (1954) and Porgy and Bess (1959), she starred in Julia (1968), one of the first series on American television to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role.